Dappy dogs needed for collar study

Many dogs get highly agitated when in confined spaces

Researchers are looking for crazy canines to help them solve a serious travel problem.

A team from Lincoln University needs dogs which vomit, bark, whine or howl while travelling in cars, to use as guinea pigs for a new study on calming them down.

Highly strung dogs are being tested with a new type of collar which emits a reassuring smell to the animals, to stop the stress caused by being cooped up in vehicles.

While initial results have been encouraging new subjects are needed for the six week trials.

Doggy profiles

Despite the use of car harnesses designed to stop dogs getting under their owners' feet, many dogs can be a major distraction in the car, scientists have found.

The researchers want dogs which constantly try to run around, jump about or snuggle up to their owners while travelling.

Veterinary surgeon Dr Daniel Mills, director of the university's animal behaviour clinic, is leading a team trying to solve the problem.

He said of the new collar: "We have seen almost immediate results in some cases, while in others we are not seeing any response at all, and we need to investigate why this is the case.

"Therefore we are trying to develop full clinical profiles of all the animals involved so that we can predict when the treatment will work."

Owners must feel it is safe to take their dogs out in the car for five minutes once a week for six weeks during the study.

Anyone wishing to take part in the study should contact trial co-ordinator Marta Gandia on 01522 895478.